An elderly champion equestrian passed away after being accidentally stepped on by one of her cherished horses, as determined by an official inquiry. Margaret Davies, fondly known as Maggie, succumbed in a hospital last month, following an incident involving Benny, her thoroughbred horse, two-and-a-half weeks earlier. The inquiry revealed that the 80-year-old was leading the bay-colored Connemara to its paddock on August 8 when the horse became startled, causing it to lurch sideways, knocking Mrs. Davies to the ground and inadvertently stepping on her. Despite being hospitalized with sternum injuries and a fractured clavicle, she developed pneumonia during treatment and passed away on August 24.
Mrs. Davies dedicated her adult life to equestrian pursuits, excelling in competitions, breeding, and horse training. Despite previous injuries from falls, she remained resolute in continuing her passion. Her GP’s statement recounted an instance in 2018 where she was advised to give up riding, to which she defiantly responded with a firm “Never.”
Although she had not ridden for about six months before her demise, Mrs. Davies still cared for two horses. Post the inquiry, her husband, Peter Davies, fondly remembered her deep love for horses and nature since childhood, highlighting her exceptional bond with animals. Mrs. Davies established herself as a respected figure in the Norfolk equestrian community, participating in various equestrian disciplines both locally and internationally.
Dr. Davies, a retired eye surgeon, acknowledged her reduced agility at 80 years old, suggesting it may have contributed to her inability to avoid the horse’s sudden movement that led to the accident. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, mentioning the unpredictable nature of horses when startled. The incident, where Mrs. Davies was alone, left the cause of the horse’s spookiness unresolved. The coroner, Johanna Thompson, concluded that Mrs. Davies had tragically died due to accidental injuries sustained from the horse incident.
As the president of the Carousel Riding Club, Mrs. Davies was a devoted supporter of the club since its inception in 1965. The club’s website paid tribute to her extensive involvement, describing her as a passionate advocate for dressage and a horsey enthusiast. Although she may have moved on to a new stable in heaven, her memory will forever remain cherished within the equestrian community.
